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The Global Insight

Do I need a state tax ID if I have an EIN?

Author

Sarah Garza

Updated on March 22, 2026

Even if your business already has a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), most states require you to register for a unique state tax ID number–and you’ll need a state tax ID for each state where you plan to hire employees or file taxes.

Is employer’s state ID number the same as EIN?

What Is a State Tax ID Number? A state tax ID number is also called a state employer ID or state EIN. It is your state’s version of the federal EIN, and serves the same purpose — a unique number associated with your business for state tax purposes.

Are EIN numbers State specific?

It is also sometimes known as a tax ID number or taxpayer ID. Because the EIN, or tax ID, is used for federal tax purposes, it stays the same from state to state. The EIN is a way for the IRS to uniquely identify your business, much like a social security number uniquely identifies an individual who pay taxes.

Is EIN a employer ID?

An employer identification number (EIN) is a nine-digit number assigned by the IRS. It’s used to identify the tax accounts of employers and certain others who have no employees. The IRS uses the number to identify taxpayers who are required to file various business tax returns.

What’s the difference between tax ID and EIN?

Yes, there is a technical difference between an EIN and a tax ID number in the sense that a Tax ID number can be issued on the state or the federal level, but an EIN is strictly federal (also called an FEIN or Federal EIN). All tax identification numbers have nine digits, such as 98-7654321.

When do you need an Employer Identification Number ( EIN )?

You must complete each EIN application individually instead of using any automated process. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN.

What does it mean to have an employer ID number?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN. You may apply for an EIN in various ways, and now you may apply online .

How to look up a State Employer Identification Number?

A state employer identification number, or EIN, is an identification number businesses need to collect and pay state income tax. You can find your employer’s EIN on your W-2 form or call your employer’s HR department to look it up for you.

How to register for an EIN in Florida?

One of several steps most businesses will need when starting a business in Florida is to register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and Florida state tax ID numbers.